April 2013

The April issue of Fleet Owner announces the result's of the Fleet Owner Survey asking reader's and those in the industry what is on their minds. Other feature stories tackle vans and the supply chain.

Editor's Page

We’ve just completed a major survey of our readers, asking them a number of questions about the issues they face in running their fleets. Some of the results were not too surprising—the state of the economy is the chief concern for the majority. And some, like the general opinion on electronic driver logs, were unexpected....More

In our April issue of Fleet Owner we asked what one thing Congress could do to help your business.
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Management

While the economy may officially be in recovery mode—at least according to many politicians, pollsters, and various economic indicators—fleet owners and executives still have plenty of issues to keep them awake at night, based upon the results of a recent reader survey conducted by Fleet Owner....More

The American Trucking Assns. (ATA) characterized the changes the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) made to driver Hours--of-Service (HOS) rules in 2011 as “driven” by an agenda in arguments it made before a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit on Friday....More

Order numbers for Class 8 vehicles continue to show improvement, according to the latest figures compiled by FTR Associates.
FTR reported that preliminary data for February showed net truck orders at 23,011 units, a 4% increase over January and 4% over February 2012. Orders for Class 8 vehicles have been consistently above the 20,000 mark since October 2012 with an annualized rate of 263,600 units over the last three months, FTR said....More

NEW YORK. The monthly “Editor’s Page” column by Fleet Owner editor-in-chief Jim Mele was named winner of a 2013 Jesse H. Neal Award for Best Commentary. Sponsored by American Business Media (ABM), the Neal Awards have been honoring excellence in business journalism for 59 years, and are considered “the Pulitzer Prize of business media,” according to ABM....More

A survey conducted by consulting firm BDO USA, LLP finds that following uneven sales results in December and January, retail executives are moderating their expectations for 2013 sales. However, those executives also noted that they expect online shopping only to keep growing....More

While most forecasters see truckload rate growth continuing at 2.5% through 2013, Noel Perry of FRT Assocs. and Transportation Economics believes carriers could enjoy much stronger growth, with year-over-year rate increases touching 7% by the fourth quarter....More

As part of national freight policy mandate established by the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century or MAP-21 transportation bill signed into law last July, the Department of Transportation(DOT) is taking steps to establish a national freight advisory committee to provide recommendations aimed at improving the county’s freight transportation system....More

The surest route to being competitive is to find ways to reduce costs, notes Duane Gilbert, COO at Gibco Construction. “We never shortchange ourselves when investing in new trucks and new equipment,” he says. “We don’t shop by price because we’ve found over the years the best quality products aren’t the least expensive initially. However, they are the most cost-effective in the long run.”...More

Running Green

With everything we know about fuel efficiency these days, it’s tough to find a fleet that isn’t doing something to reduce fuel usage and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Be it to boost the bottom line, to create a “greener” perception of the fleet, or just to be a better corporate citizen, most carriers are implementing some device or training technique designed to cut fuel use....More

Shell has announced it plans to establish two new “corridors” in the Great Lakes and Gulf Coast regions to provide liquefied natural gas (LNG) for transport use by heavy-duty truck fleets as well as by industrial and marine operations customers. The global energy company noted these projects will utilize North American natural gas to provide an “innovative and cost-effective fuel” for its customers....More

Love’s Travel Stops is adding more fast-fill compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling lanes at eight of its travel stops in Texas. The lanes, to be installed at locations on highways between Dallas, Houston and San Antonio, are expected to be operational by the fourth quarter of this year....More

A trailer skirt made from recycled materials and built exclusively by military veterans has received certification from the EPA’s SmartWay program as a product that shows a verifiable improvement in fuel efficiency....More

YRC Freight has reached agreement with Clean Energy Fuels Corp. for the deployment and testing of four liquefied natural gas (LNG) tractors. The vehicles will serve the Port of Long Beach and surrounding areas, YRC said....More

Bridgestone Commercial Solutions, a business unit of Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, has submitted four retread products to the EPA for SmartWay verification.
Upon approval, Bridgestone will offer seven SmartWay verified retreads....More

Refrigerated carrier C.R. England has placed an order for Deflecktor Aero Wheel Covers to fit onto company-owned trucks. The order is for enough wheel covers to outfit 1,000 vehicles, A de F, maker of the devices, said....More

Progressive Commercial Auto Insurance is offering owner-operators the chance to purchase AeroFlex trailer skirts at a discount.
The skirts, produced by Freight Wing, can increase fuel efficiency by up to 7.45%, Progressive said. Owner-operators purchasing a skirt will also receive a 7-year warranty. The skirts, available for about $700, normally retail for over $1,000 with a standard 3-year warranty....More

Equipment

Eaton Corp. is readying plans broaden its automated transmission product lineup, rolling out an automated version of its manual Fuller Advantage transmission – similar to the model being used in powertrain venture with engine maker Cummins – along with six new versions of its automated UltraShift Plus transmission, including 16- and 10-speed versions tailored solely to Navistar’s highway tractors that are due to start production this April....More

Small fleets and owner-operators are being offered up to $1,500 per truck in rebates from International Truck. To take advantage of the program, the purchaser must be a member of LandStar, Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Assn., or Truckers B2B....More

Chrysler’s Ram Truck division plans to offer a diesel-powered version of its 2014 Ram 1500 half-ton pickup starting in the third quarter this year.
The company said it will introduce a 3.0-liter V6 version of its new EcoDiesel engine mated to its eight-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission in an effort to boost both fuel economy and low-end torque for its redesigned half-ton Ram 1500 pickup, as well as reduce noise by 60%....More

Meritor Wabco made four product announcements during an online media briefing yesterday. First, that the “next generation” of its OnGuard collision-mitigation system is now available. Second, that it has released its Rollover Stability Support (RSS) 1M trailer-stability control system. Third, that it has launched its Electronically Controlled Air Suspension (ECAS) to optimize OEM and aftermarket 6x2 vehicles....More

Consolidated Metco (ConMet) has nearly 50 years of experience developing, manufacturing and selling advanced wheel hub assemblies. But until now, it did not have its own line of premium bearings.
ConMet premium bearings are designed and built for precision, performance and longevity, the company said. Among the attributes of the bearings are:...More

Customers who purchase a Kenworth T680 tractor with a Paccar MX-13 engine and finance that purchase through Paccar Financial may now receive an extended engine warranty program. Available to qualifying customers, the program offers a 3-year/400,000-mi. comprehensive and aftertreatment extended warranty....More

Jasper Engines & Transmissions has added a late-model Cummins ISB 6.7L common rail rear geartrain complete engine to its product lineup.
The engine is available for the following 2007 and newer applications: ...More

A new portable power supply from Larson Electronics can provide up to 24 hours of power on a single charge. The BPLI-2K-120 portable power supply is powered by a 1,200 watt hour lithium ion battery and includes a wheeled housing with telescoping handle for easy transport.
The power supply produces 120 VAC power for running everything from lighting, to cameras, to computers, and other devices....More

Volvo Trucks is offering a new warranty for D12 engines that undergo its Volvo Guaranteed Overhaul (GO) program.
D12 engines that are overhauled through the program will receive a 3-year, 350,000-mi. warranty, Volvo said.
“Volvo’s Guaranteed Overhaul program provides a flexible and economical option for maximizing the life of a vehicle and improving uptime,” said James Chenier, Volvo Trucks vice president, aftermarket sales and marketing....More

Talbert Manufacturing has introduced a 50-ton traveling axle trailer for users that must comply with 43-ft. kingpin laws. The 5051 traveling axle trailer has a 6 deg. load angle and is ideal for towing and recovery, rental equipment and small to midsized construction equipment.
According to Talbert, kingpin laws vary by state but generally apply to any trailer longer than 48 ft. and less than 53 ft. These regulations typically dictate the maximum distance from the kingpin to the last axle must measure 43 ft. or less....More

If you were to make a movie about the recent machinations in the U.S. light commercial vehicle market, it might very well be called Invasion of the Vans. Both Ford and Chrysler are bringing new full-size commercial van models to the U.S. market that were developed on chassis that have seen long service overseas, especially Europe. And other OEMs, such as Nissan, are introducing smaller and more compact versions of their larger product offerings....More

Commercial vehicle battery needs continue to evolve, notes Todd Biggs, director of aftermarket parts and service marketing for Daimler Trucks North America, supplier of the Alliance Truck Parts line of batteries. “In today’s trucks, batteries are obviously still used for cold cranking power,” he says. “However, deeper discharge capabilities and cycling characteristics are also needed to operate a growing array of onboard auxiliary equipment.”...More

The Work Truck Show

INDIANAPOLIS. Trucks makers interviewed here at the National Truck Equipment’s (NTEA) 2013 Work Truck Show expressed growing optimism about a “rebound” starting to gain steam in the vocational market – with the construction industry fueling a need for dump trucks and other equipment....More

Indianapolis. A Ford F-550 chassis cab powered by propane autogas is on display this week at the National Truck Equipment Assn.’s Work Truck Show. The vehicle is outfitted by Roush CleanTech in cooperation with Green Alternative Systems (GAS)....More

Indianapolis. Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner dealers across the U.S. will be offering a new lease and maintenance program for customers seeking to use the Sprinter van in their operations.
The new Sprinter Care Lease is a fixed-payment, comprehensive leasing and maintenance package that includes coverage for preventive maintenance and replacement of common wear items, plus an extended limited warranty....More

Indianapolis. To meet the needs of construction and utility fleets requiring a lightweight truck with rugged off-road traction, Western Star Truck Sales has taken the wraps off the 4700SB all-wheel drive (AWD) model.
The new model, equipped with a Terex Utilities Digger Derrick, is on display at the 2013 National Truck Equipment Assn.’s Work Truck Show this week....More

Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America (MFTA) showed off its new 2014 model year Canter FE and FG Series commercial medium-duty trucks at the NTEA's 2103 Work Truck Show earlier this month, featuring a range of new options including: a Bluetooth radio; a longer, 169.3-in. wheelbase for the Class 3 Canter FE 125; and a side-mounted fuel tank.
Also, all Canter models are expected to be in compliance with the EPA’s new GHG rules by April 2013, a full two years ahead of the regulatory compliance mandate, the OEM said....More

Indianapolis. Kenworth Truck Co. announced that its T270 and T370 medium-duty models now come equipped with an optional roof fairing.
A T270 van body truck and T370 4x4 and T370 truck with dump box are on display this week along with five other Kenworth models at the National Truck Equipment Assn.’s Work Truck Show....More

Indianapolis. Venchurs Vehicle Systems, a compressed natural gas converter, has announced a partnership with truck body upfitter Knapheide. The announcement, made here during the National Truck Equipment Assn.’s Work Truck Show, will allow Venchurs to offer CNG conversions and service bodies to Ford F-250 and F-350 trucks....More

Indianapolis. The Hybrid Drive Systems Div. of Parker Hannifin announced that its infinitely variable transmission (IVT) with brake energy recovery is now available for medium-duty trucks in North America....More

Indianapolis. Navistar is showing its latest edition to its medium-duty truck lineup this week at the National Truck Equipment Assn. (NTEA) Work Truck Show. The International TerraStar 4x4 is now a production-ready vehicle.
Launched in 2010 in 4x2 configuration, the TerraStar is now available in a 4x4 configuration for applications that need a little more truck....More

INDIANAPOLIS. Freightliner Trucks is introducing a new program called “Frameworks” to offer more detailed financial and technical support to the truck equipment manufacturers (TEMs) responsible for putting the final touches on vehicles destined for vocational customers....More

Toyota’s Hino Trucks division showed off its new “double cab” option for its Model 195 Class 5 medium duty chassis at the National Truck Equipment Association’s 2013 Work Truck Show this week in Indianapolis....More

Info Tech

Executives of any size of for-hire or private fleet need not be intimidated by information technology when strategizing on how to best tie into the supply chain to serve even the most demanding shipper.
What fleets should know is that there are more than a few ways to skin this particular cat. And above all, they should keep in mind this succinct but rich definition from BusinessDictionary.com of what exactly is supply chain management:...More

An annual performance report compiled by technology provider GreenRoad indicates that monitoring systems can dramatically alter truck driver behavior – especially in regards to speeding.
The firm’s yearly Fleet Driver Performance Data Benchmark report, which offers a “snapshot” of performance based on data gleaned from 70,000 drivers worldwide, posted a 28% improvement in “Safety Scores” recorded by the company’s monitoring system between 2011 and 2012....More

RAIR has announced that it has added employment screening to its suite of compliance services.
Employment screening further streamlines the driver qualification management process for carriers, and assists in increasing compliance with DOT safety regulations, improving Driver Fitness BASIC scores, and reducing exposure to fines and litigation, RAIR said. ...More

Volvo Group Venture Capital, a subsidiary of Sweden’s Volvo Group, is making what it calls a "strategic investment" in DriveCam to become a minority shareholder in the company. No monetary figures or other details were disclosed....More

Las Vegas. After two years of work on the part of some 200 people, XRS Corporation (formerly Xata) officially launched its new mobile platform today. The XRS product is now available for sale, with shipment scheduled to begin during the second quarter of the calendar year. The new solution has been available to a limited number of customers since January 2013....More

Las Vegas. Rand McNally has released its new Rand McNally Connect web portal. The portal will allow users a single point for viewing all the metrics, features, and services connected with Rand McNally’s TND™ 760 and TPC 7600 mobile fleet management products.
The announcement was made at the Truckload Carriers Assn. 75th Annual Convention here....More

LAS VEGAS. Qualcomm Enterprise Services has introduced two products here at the Truckload Carriers Assn. Annual Convention that are designed to improve management of assets in the field. Qualcomm unveiled its Trailer ABS Connect and its Exact Fuel applications....More

LAS VEGAS. PeopleNet and Drivewyze have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to explore collaboration that could bring complimentary products and services to PeopleNet’s customer base, the companies announced.
The announcement was made during the Truckload Carriers Assn. Annual Convention here this week....More

AT&T has introduced two mobile-communication solutions-- Associate PLEDGE and SafeCell Enterprise—that are both aimed at reducing dangerous driving behavior by business employees.
The company said that its new Associate PLEDGE is a mobile app that “lets businesses conduct real-time monitoring and helps to enforce corporate policies on mobile devices while employees are driving.”...More

Problem:
Businesses and residents depend on heating and cooling systems to maintain comfortable work and home environments. When something goes wrong with a system, though, it doesn’t take long for the comfort level of occupants to reach a boiling point....More

Small Business Review

According to many studies on the subject, you’ve got fewer than 30 seconds to make an impression on someone. In business, this can mean the difference between losing, landing or keeping a customer. So, ask yourself, “What would impress me?” If the initial contact is by phone, then that impression is determined by the manner in which you handle the phone call.
- Do you answer the phone in a professional, business-like manner?
- Do you speak clearly and slowly enough so the listener has time to understand what you are saying?...More

Commentary

There is nothing like hearing the voices of our readers, of the people who own and manage fleets across America, to bring news and events to vital, vivid life. Fleet Owner’s recent reader survey (see pages 8 and 36) gave us the opportunity to hear many of your voices loud and clear....More

A day in the life of the director of safety and policy at the Truckload Carriers Assn. consists of changing several different hats daily, and at times, almost minute by minute. Finding answers to questions asked by members on regulatory or legislative matters is my main focus, and the key is to actually know where to find the answers, not necessarily have the answers ingrained in my head. That being said, I thought I knew the answer to a question recently asked by a carrier member. As the conversation ensued, however, I discovered that the answer is not what I thought it was....More

A day in the life of the director of safety and policy at the Truckload Carriers Assn. consists of changing several different hats daily, and at times, almost minute by minute. Finding answers to questions asked by members on regulatory or legislative matters is my main focus, and the key is to actually know where to find the answers, not necessarily have the answers ingrained in my head. That being said, I thought I knew the answer to a question recently asked by a carrier member. As the conversation ensued, however, I discovered that the answer is not what I thought it was....More

Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer surprised people when she recently decreed that the tech company’s employees would no longer be allowed to work from home. Never one to miss a chance to grab a headline, Richard Branson, the founder of Virgin Group, reacted by calling her decision “old school thinking.”...More

I recently had the pleasure of addressing a group of risk management people in the trucking industry and during the discussion on tire inflation, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements generated some serious questions. To begin with, there was some concern about the fact that OSHA defines service as the demounting, mounting, inflating, deflating, installing, removing and handling of tires used on large vehicles like trucks, tractors and buses....More